Smoky Quartz with Golden Rutile

Description

Fine copper-gold rutile needles cross through translucent smoky quartz, with polished faces that reveal the internal pattern from several angles.

This polished specimen from Minas Gerais, Brazil, contains a network of fine rutile needles ranging from warm gold to copper-brown. The needles form crossing lines and dense sprays within translucent smoky quartz, producing a different view of the inclusions as the piece is turned.

Its polished faces bring the internal structure into focus while natural veils and variations in the quartz remain visible. The specimen measures 6 × 4.7 × 2 cm and weighs 69.3 g (346.5 carats).

The internal detail contributes a second aspect to the specimen’s appearance. Reflections emphasise the outside faces, while light passing into translucent or clearer areas reveals features within the crystal. These are different effects, and appreciating both helps explain why the piece can have visual depth even where its overall outline is relatively simple.

The recorded Rutile inclusions are a central feature of this Quartz specimen. The fine needle-like growth provides internal detail that is separate from the outside outline of the Quartz. The contrast between the inclusions and their translucent host makes the association interesting at a smaller scale, with the internal arrangement contributing as much as the overall shape.

Quartz is silicon dioxide, a mineral whose familiar pointed crystals develop as material is added to growing faces. It occurs in many geological settings, including mineral veins and granite-related deposits. The variety of crystal lengths, orientations and degrees of transparency makes it an especially rewarding mineral to compare: pieces with the same composition can have very different natural architecture.

The glassy lustre of Quartz comes from light reflecting off its surfaces. Clear areas allow a view into the crystal, while internal fractures, veils and inclusions can scatter that light and create softer white regions. These features are distinct from the outer crystal faces. Studying both the interior and the outline adds another layer of interest beyond the familiar pointed shape.

The recorded origin is Minas Gerais, Brazil. Within a collection of Quartz specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures 6 × 4.7 × 2 cm, with a recorded weight of 69.3 g. The proportions give a useful guide to its place in a display, with the individual crystal arrangement and mineral association remaining the principal points of interest.

Condition: Polished faces with visible natural internal features. Please examine all eight photographs for the surface and edges. The exact specimen photographed will be supplied. Please enquire if a display stand is required.

Care: Handle gently and clean the polished faces with a soft, dry cloth.